LOCK HAVEN - A Clinton County Jury consisting of 8 women and 4 men returned a verdict of guilty on all 5 counts charged by the Commonwealth Thursday afternoon following a one-day trial before Judge Michael F. Salisbury.  Edgar John Willits, Jr., was convicted of Felony 1 Rape of a Child; Felony 1 Aggravated Indecent Assault of a Child; Felony 1 Sexual Assault;  Felony 3 Indecent Assault; and  Felony 3 and Corruption of Minors.  The jury deliberated for approximately 1 hour before reaching a unanimous verdict on all 5 counts charged, and delivered the verdict shortly after 5PM Thursday.

District Attorney Dave Strouse prosecuted the case for the Commonwealth, and Detective Rich Simpson of the Lock Haven City Police spearheaded the investigation.  Willits was represented at trial by Attorney Fred Lingle.  Strouse presented several witnesses during the trial, but none more impactful than the victim who was just 9 years old at the time of the assault.  The victim, still just a 14-year-old child, testified for nearly and hour and described the 2016 assault in excruciating detail for the jury and explained how the assault by Willits had turned her life and family upside down.  

Willits is scheduled for sentencing December 6th and will be required to undergo a Sexual Offender's Assessment to determine whether he should be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP).  Willits will be a lifetime Megan's Law Registrant.